We're off to see the Emporer.....NOT!

Did I say we were going to see the Imperial Palace? Yeah, I did. Well, once we arrived, we were greated with locked gates and closed signs. It seems the concierge forgot to tell us one little detail. The Imperial Gardens are closed on Fridays. DOH!!

Looking on the bright side, it was a very interesting train ride. The system is so efficient and clean. There were piped in bird chirps, really cool chimes when trains arrived and left, and lots and lots of digital advertisements everywhere. But after we got off at the right station, it was still a long walk to the Imperial Palace. It was a really nice day though with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Who knew a typhoon was coming?

The swans at the Palace felt a little like we did though. They were battling it out with the carp for food. It was kind of funny. The swan would peck at the carp and kick them with their feet to get at the food.

All we had to do for food was find a nice noodle house. The chef was making the noodles fresh in the front window. We were the only non-Asian people in the restaurant, so we had to point and nod at what we wanted on the menu. The ladies running it were very nice and patient with us though, even though it was obvious they catered to a business clientele and tried to turn tables over quickly. I have to say, this was best tasting, most satisfying meal I had the entire trip.

We wandered around a bit looking for some shops, but couldn't really find any. While walking down a side street, I did find my most prized possession of the trip.

I now have it proudly sitting in my display case alongside my Mt Dew bottle from Beijing. I think I'm starting something here.

We went back to the hotel to catch our bus to the airport. The bathrooms in the lobby had the most amazing view through huge picture windows.

Of course, that meant everyone could see me and my business as well. It didn't seem to bother the cleaning lady who was in the bathroom any.

The trip back was one of the bumpiest I've had. At least the part I was awake for was. After our meal and one movie, I was out like a light and didn't wake up until a little before landing in San Francisco. Winston was glad to see me for about five minutes, then we both wound up taking a nap. After a dinner of take out pizza and a giant Mt Dew, I'm ready to call it a night.

I thorougly enjoyed the little amount of time that I had in Tokyo and would go back again in a heartbeat. Everything was so clean. And everyone was incredibly nice and polite (except those pushing us out of the Fish Market!). I do hope I get the opportunity to go back again some day.

Next trip....back to Disneyland in Nov. YEA!!!!!!